Mental health professionals have called for urgent interventions and better emotional support systems for students following the tragic suicide of a 19-year-old girl in Lagos who reportedly ended her life after receiving her 2025 UTME results.
The deceased, identified by neighbours as Timilehin, was described as a quiet and promising young woman. She had been living with her elder sibling in the Odogunyan area of Ikorodu, Lagos, and reportedly took her own life after scoring 190 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination—a score she believed was lower than what she had previously achieved.
Her death has sparked widespread grief and concern across the community, with many pointing fingers at the pressures of the examination system. Mental health experts, however, are urging a shift in how students’ emotional well-being is addressed, especially during exam periods.
Speaking with PUNCH Metro, Michael Jacob, a psychotherapist and founder of Emotion Compass Academy, emphasized that exam scores should never be tied to a student’s self-worth.
“To any student out there facing disappointment, please know this: your value is not based on a UTME score. It’s just one of many paths, not the end of the road,” he said.
Jacob warned that confusing academic results with intelligence or identity could lead to dangerous emotional consequences. “Failing a test does not mean you’re a failure. It means you’re learning and trying. What students need is support, not shame,” he added.
He urged students experiencing emotional distress to speak up and seek help. “Silence isn’t strength. Talking to someone—a parent, teacher, therapist—could save a life,” he said.
Also speaking, psychologist Patricia Udosen noted that the intense pressure on students during examinations could be emotionally damaging, especially when expectations are not met.
“The disappointment can feel unbearable, but failure isn’t final,” she said. “It’s important that students know they can recover with time, support, and the right mindset.”
She advised students to process difficult emotions by talking to trusted individuals and encouraged parents to show empathy rather than judgment.
“Listen to your child with an open heart. Acknowledge their pain. Focus on their effort, not just their result,” Udosen said.
Clinical psychologist Hammed Lateefat also highlighted the need to normalise failure as part of growth. “We all experience failure. What matters is learning from it, not letting it consume your self-esteem,” she said.
In response to growing concerns, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Monday announced a review of the recently released 2025 UTME results. According to its spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, the decision was made after the board received numerous complaints from candidates and parents. JAMB stated that it would carry out a post-examination review to address the issues raised.
The tragedy has renewed conversations around academic pressure, mental health awareness, and the urgent need for structured emotional support for young Nigerians navigating high-stakes examinations.
Punch
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